How are security policies best described?

Security policies are best described as high-level statements of intent and expectation. They serve as foundational documents that outline an organization's overall approach to managing security risks and protecting its assets. These policies articulate the organization's commitment to security, set the tone for how security issues will be addressed, and provide a framework for decision-making regarding security practices.

By defining the organization's security objectives and the principles that guide its security efforts, security policies help ensure that all employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining security. They may cover various areas such as data protection, acceptable use of technology, access control, and incident response, but they do not delve into the technical details of how these goals will be achieved—that's where procedures and guidelines come into play.

Other choices typically focus on more specific aspects of security management or compliance rather than the overarching principles of security policies. Detailed technical procedures, specific guidelines for staff, and legally binding requirements serve different purposes and are usually derived from the high-level policies rather than serving as the policies themselves.